Creede, Colorado
Where western frontier history meets unspoiled beauty
Creede is located on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (State Hwy 149) at an elevation of 8,854 feet in some of the most pristine wilderness area's of the state. The main routes into the area are U.S. Highways 50, 160, and 285.
Nearest commercial airports are Alamosa, Colorado Springs, Denver International, and Pueblo. Commercial airlines serve nearby Alamosa from Denver International with several flights daily.
Historic Creede was a relative latecomer to Colorado's roster of bonanza towns. The first silver lode was discovered in 1890. Creede remained the only silver camp in production during the silver panic of 1893 because its ore was of particularly high quality. Characters such as Bob Ford (who killed Jesse James), Frank James, Martha Cannary ("Calamity Jane") and her pal Poker Alice, Bat Masterson and bunco artist "Soapy" Smith gave the town its reputation as one of the wildest camps in the state.
The headwaters of the Rio Grande River rise just miles west of Creede in the Weminuche Wilderness Area. The town is one of the main gateways to recreation in the 1,851,792-acre Rio Grande National Forest and the 490,000-acre Weminuche Wilderness Area.
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Creede Colorado Attractions
Bachelor Historic Loop
This 17-mile route takes visitors through Creede's unique silver mining district and past two ghost town site. The tour begins at the kiosk at the fork of East and West Willow Creek in the canyon north of town and ends at the kiosk on State Hwy. 149 in Creede. Guide books can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce or at the kiosk at the south end of town. This guide book is a comprehensive narrative of the last great silver mining boom town in Colorado.
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Basham Park
Located in the heart of downtown Creede, the park offers a gazebo, picnic tables, public restrooms, fresh water and a shady place to relax and watch the world go by.
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Creede Historical Museum
The museum is housed in the old Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Depot, next to Basham Park, and run by the Creede Historical Society. Museum exhibits feature the town's first hand-drawn firewagon, a horse-drawn hearse, early pioneer utensils, gambling devises, historical photographs and other memorabilia of Creede's past. Open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, through the winter by appointment.
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Creede Repertory Theatre
The nationally acclaimed Creede Repertory Theatre is a major draw for Creede's visitors as well as residents. From mid-June through Labor Day, the theatre present 7 productions; 4 on the main stage and 3 in the "3rd Floor Theatre", in true rotating repertory. At the height of the theatre's season it is possible to see all 7 plays in four days. Productions offered vary from year to year and include musical, comedies, contemporary and classic dramas. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Season schedule is available in the spring and may be requested by calling (719) 658-2540 or by writing to P.O. Box 269, Creede, CO 81130.
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Creede Underground Firehouse
This is one of the most unusual fire stations in the country, carved into the side of a mountain by volunteer firefighters. Contact the Sheriff's office at (719) 658-2600 for tour information. The firehouse is a short walk north of downtown Creede in Willow Creek Canyon.
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Creede Underground Mining Museum
This museum was built totally underground with tunnels blasted out of the mountain by hard rock miners once employed by area mining companies. Exhibits recreate the experience of working in an underground mine and guided tours are led by retired miners who explain equipment and methods of mining. Tours are available daily during the summer, and Monday-Friday during the winter. The museum is located just north of town in Willow Creek Canyon.
407 North Loma; Creede, CO 81130 / (719) 658-0811
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Downtown Creede
Filled with unique gift shops, galleries, eateries, groceries, and banks this four block section of Creede's main street is spectacular in its own right. With the cliffs rising nearly 1,000 feet directly north of this area, first-time visitors are amazed at the views. A map is available at the Creede/Mineral County Chamber of Commerce office or the Visitors' Information Center.
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North Creede
While only a few private structures remain, this is the area where the "boom" of 1892 actually began and is the original town site of Creede. A few historical sites remain, including the old jail. North Creede is located in East Willow Creek canyon (take the right fork north of the Underground Mining Museum).
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Old Creede Cemetery
Battered fences, crumbling headstones and timeworn wrought iron fences allow visitors a glimpse of the final resting places of a hard working people who carved a legendary mining town out of the Rocky Mountains. Get there by tuning right off State Hwy 149 on the Bachelor Road (last turn before the highway goes out of town toward Lake City). Go ½ mile and turn at the cemetery sign. Cemetery is on the left.
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The Silver Thread Scenic Byway
These are great pictures taken by Carolyne Butler on the road from South Fork through Creede, and over to Lake City Colorado. Here's another set of pictures taken of Colorado 149.
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Bob Ford's Grave
Bob Ford is one of Creede's most famous historical figures. The murderer of Jesse James had moved to Creede during its "boom" to set up a saloon and gambling hall. On June 7, 1892 Ed O'Kelly killed Ford in Ford's saloon. Ford was buried in the Creede cemetery, his wife later moved his body for burial in the midwest.
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Wheeler Geologic Area
Geologically, Mineral County is one of the most important study areas in the world for volcanic history. Eruptions of earth-shaking magnitude rocked Mineral County eons ago. While massive volcanic eruptions were creating the silver veins that still hide in the San Juan Mountains around Creede, the Wheeler Geologic area was being born. This impressive and singular landscape, comprised of volcanic turf, has eroded over the years to fashion a spectacular terrain. Contact the Forest Service (719) 658-2556 for details on traveling to this remote area.
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Rio Grande National Forest
Creede is located within the boundaries of the 1,851,792-acre Rio Grande National Forest. The headwaters of the Rio Grande River begin in this national forest characterized by mountain waterways and rugged high country. Recreation opportunities within the Rio Grande National Forest are many. Visitors can enjoy easy access to hiking, mountain biking, road biking, camping, picnicking, four-wheel driving, horseback riding and more. Many visitors enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and backcountry touring during the winter. |
Creede/Mineral County Chamber of Commerce
The Creede/Mineral County Chamber of Commerce serves the town of Creede and surrounding area. They are an excellent source for information regarding the community and will provide assistance in planning your visit to the area.
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